Most of you already know Past TKF president Mark Groshens very well indeed. From his strong support of all club events to the wonderful design & applique work on homemade kites. If you don't know Mark Groshens by now it could only because you must be new to the kite club.

Since 1982 Mark has loved all forms of kite flying. It was in 1993 that Marks interest took a major turn towards power kiting with a purchase of a buggy and a power foil. In 1993 a classic Peter Lynn buggy & A flat square 6.6m Force 10 foil was state of the art. The Force 10 kite bridle alone weighs more than some small imported cars. <-joke-> Mark was truly one of the first people in Canada to buggy. Along with kite skiing on frozen lakes in the winter, he has also hit the surf with his new kite board in the warmer seasons. Mark's long interest in power kiting has led a lot of other interested people in his direction with loads of traction questions.

Today there Are so many choices To make. Do you want a single skinned framed kite, air rammed foil or a kite for the water that has an air filled leading edge? What type of material are you looking for. Chikara, Icarex or something even newer? What kind of lines do you use and how long should they be? With the latest introduction of kite boarding the vast selection of traction kiting gear has never been greater. Of course this means purchasing decisions have also become more complicated.

Through his association with Active People Groshens hopes to not only offer kiting equipment for sale but also wants to share his experience especially with new people to the sport. Before you buy your first traction kite there are always lots of questions such as how do these things cost, what size kite is right for me and what the heck does tacking mean? Mark will always be around when there are questions and is more than willing to go out to the field with you and figure things like how do you get that darned body harness on.

Mark now has a ton of Quadrifoil equipment that he somehow wedges into his little station wagon everywhere he goes. So if you are interested in trying out some of his gear just ask. Mark is also more than willing to head out with you and give one of his kites a whirl. If you want to check out what is new in power kiting visit the Active People web page http:www.quadrifoil.com and ask Mark Groshens any questions you may have. Mark Groshens phone: 519-651-2078

- Carlos Simoes